Advancing multimorbidity management in primary care: a narrative review

Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2022 Jul 1;23:e36. doi: 10.1017/S1463423622000238.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in the same individual, is becoming a crucial health issue in primary care. Patients with multimorbidity utilize health care at a higher rate and have higher mortality rates and poorer quality of life compared to patients with single diseases.AIMS: To explore evidence on how to advance multimorbidity management, with a focus on primary care. Primary care is where a large number of patients with multimorbidity are managed and is considered to be a gatekeeper in many health systems.METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using four major electronic databases consisting of PubMed, Cochrane, World Health Organization database, and Google scholar. In the first round of reviews, priority was given to review papers summarizing the current issues and challenges in the management of multimorbidity. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was used to build a framework on how to advance management. The second round of review focused on original articles providing evidence within the primary care context.RESULTS: The review found that advancing multimorbidity management in primary care requires a health system approach and a patient-centered approach. The health systems approach includes three major areas: (i) improves access to care, (ii) promotes generalism, and (iii) provides a decision support system. For ...

Source: Primary Care - July 1, 2022 Category: Primary Care Authors: Chanchanok Aramrat Yanee Choksomngam Wichuda Jiraporncharoen Nutchar Wiwatkunupakarn Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish Poppy Alice Carson Mallinson Sanjay Kinra Chaisiri Angkurawaranon Source Type: research